Pro Speak: 3 Best Practices For Operating Spider Lifts

Versatile and masters at accessing tight spaces, spider lifts are the most useful equipment for working at heights. No challenge is impossible for them. From working on the roughest of terrains to the most delicate of floors, they can glide through each surface with ease, delivering dependable performance every time.

If that wasn’t enough, spider lifts feature a lightweight design in a compact frame with extendable legs that make them easy to maneuver. It also makes them perfect for a wide range of industries such as tree care, construction, infrastructure work, and facility maintenance.

That said, to ensure spider lifts get the job done, it is important to follow best practices for their safe and efficient operation. Professional operators recommend the following.

1. Conduct safety checks before operation

No matter the type of task you intend to carry out, performing a pre-operation safety check is mandatory. It can help you ascertain if the spider lift is in proper working condition. Identification of potential issues before you begin can also help you prevent accidents or breakdowns.

Here’s a spider lift safety checklist to help you out:

Visual inspection: Detecting visible signs of damage and wear and tear is a must. 

Hydraulic system: Make sure that the hydraulic fluid is at the right level and there are no leaks in the system. 

Tires and tracks: Prone to being worn out, inspect them for damage as well as adequate inflation.

Outriggers and stability: Each outrigger should be extended before use and locked securely. 

Control panel: Before operating, test all controls and emergency stop functions.

Personal protective equipment: All crew should be dressed in proper gear such as helmets, gloves and protective shoes. Each worker should also be equipped with lanyards and harnesses.

2. Prepare your worksite

Spider aerial lifts function best when the site is rife for operation. It is important to take your time and lay the groundwork to enhance efficiency and ensure safety and stability. Before beginning, assess the ground’s condition. If it’s excessively soft or unstable, operating a spider lift can be risky.

Make sure the site is free of all obstacles that could hinder seamless movement. Beware of overhead hazards such as tree branches, low ceilings and power lines. Also, make sure the outriggers are properly positioned for added stability.

If the floor you’re working on is too delicate, using ground protection mats can prevent damage. So can ensure the load capacity of the platform is not exceeded during use.

3. Operate with care

Once you’re done with all the checks and preparations required, you can begin the process of operation. However, to ensure it goes smoothly, it is critical to follow certain rules professionals strongly recommend.

For example, only trained personnel should be allowed to operate a spider lift. Workers unfamiliar with the controls may cause errors and accidents. Anyone in the basket should wear a lanyard and a harness to curb the risk of falling from a height.

The lift should be operated slowly and carefully as jerky movements can topple it. Moreover, exceeding the weight limit can also cause it to tip over, and may even lead to mechanical failure. In fact, workers should be careful not to lean on the guardrails for the same reason.

If needed, a spotter can help the operator as well as the workers with navigation and obstacle detection. Lastly, it is best to avoid using spider lifts in harsh weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rains and snow as they pose major safety risks.

Conclusion

Once you’re done using your spider aerial lift, it is best to shut it down fully, disengage the lift and store the whole machine in a safe and secure place. The ideal storage condition would be in a dry and sheltered location that is not exposed to extremes of temperature. Following these practices is crucial to ensuring your lift lasts long and performs reliably.

Planning to upgrade your fleet with the best spider lift out there? Platform Basket Canada offers a wide variety of models with compatible accessories that can make working at heights a breeze. Contact us today to learn more about compact, lightweight, and advanced lifting solutions!